7 Flowers that Attract Pollinators

Bees, butterflies and other pollinators are important garden bugs needed to pollinate edible and ornamental plants. Create a garden pollinators love by planting flowers these bugs need to thrive.

Native plants are always a great choice, but many ornamental flowers will do the trick. When selecting plants, choose those that bloom throughout the year to ensure pollinators are healthy year-round.

7 Flowers that Attract Pollinators

1. Butterfly bush

As you might expect, butterfly bushes are great at attracting butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden. Colorful, fragrant flowers bloom in spring and summer. Grows 8 to 10 feet in height in Zones 5 to 9.

2. Bee balm

Another aptly named flower, bee balm deserves a place in every pollinator garden. You’ll be surprised to see bees and hummingbirds flock to this native plant. Plus, its leaves can be dried to make tea. Grow in full sun in Zones 4 to 9.

3. Lavender

This low-maintenance plant tolerates dry conditions and loves the heat. Bees love it, but deer and rabbits tend to skip it. Plus, the lavender blooms add perfume to the entire garden and can be used to flavor dishes. Grow in full sun in Zones 5 to 10.

4. Coneflower

The daisy-like blossoms in pink, yellow, orange or white are guaranteed to draw bees and butterflies from midsummer to late fall. Plant these at the back of the garden so their tall stems form a backdrop to smaller flowers in the foreground. Grow in full sun in Zones 3 to 9.

5. Black-eyed Susan

This smiling daisy-like flower is popular with bees and other pollinators. Besides the signature sunny yellow, the flowers come in bronze, mahogany and red. These native perennials are easy to grow, performing well even in poor soil and dry conditions. Grow in full sun in Zones 4 to 9.

6. Borage

Its star-shaped flowers appear in summer and last until first frost. It’s a drought-tolerant, native herb that is self-seeding. Grows to 2 feet.

7. Milkweed

Spring is an extremely important time for monarch butterflies who use milkweed as a host for their larvae. This early spring plant should be a staple in all pollinator gardens. Grow in full sun in Zones 3 to 7.